U S Government Accountability Office

Antidumping and countervailing duties U S Government Accountability Office

"Why GAO Did This Study The United States and many of its trading partners have enacted laws to remedy the unfair trade practices of other countries and foreign companies that cause or threaten to cause material injury to domestic producers and workers. U. S. laws authorize the imposition of AD duties on certain imports that were dumped (i.e., sold at less than fair market value) and CV duties on certain imports subsidized by foreign governments. Commerce and ITC conduct AD/CV duty investigations, most of which are initiated based on petitions filed on behalf of a domestic industry. According to the U. S. Census, in 2010, small and medium-sized enterprises accounted for 45 percent of employment in the manufacturing sector. GAO was asked to review SME's pursuit of trade remedies. This report examines (1) the extent to which SMEs have petitioned for the imposition of AD/CV duties, (2) key challenges to SMEs' ability to pursue the imposition of AD/CV duties, and (3) assistance provided by Commerce and ITC to help SMEs address these challenges. GAO examined petition data from ITC and interviewed petitioners, trade lawyers, trade association officials, academics, trade experts from the Congressional Research Service, and Commerce and ITC officials. In addition, GAO reviewed AD/CV duty petitions and reports. What GAO Recommends"